Florida forced three fumbles to set up the three scores. The first on the first play of the game, when cornerback Jaylen Watkins sacked quarterback Connor Shaw and forced a fumble recovered at the South Carolina 1. Three plays later, Jeff Driskel hit Jordan Reed for the first of his three touchdown passes in the first half.

Florida then forced the second fumble on a punt return in the second quarter, when Trey Burton knocked the ball loose from Ace Sanders and recovered the fumble at the South Carolina 29. Driskel then hit Quinton Dunbar for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

On the ensuing kickoff, Solomon Patten knocked the ball loose from Damiere Byrd and Chris Johnson recovered and returned it to the South Carolina 1. Two plays later, Driskel hit Reed with another short throw to make it 21-3.

Meanwhile, Florida penalties negated a fourth touchdown pass (Driskel to Omarius Hines), and an interception—and led to all six South Carolina points.